Former Habs captain Brian Gionta trades shot at NHL for representing U.S. at 2018 Olympics. The 38-year-old rejected at least one contract offer after deciding last summer to put family and flag first and forego a chance at playing a 17th NHL season. [The Star]

U.S. Thanksgiving contenders rarely NHL playoff leapt-overs. The Canadiens and Sabres expected better, and clubs rarely reach the Stanley Cup playoffs if they’re out of the mix at this point. The Golden Knights’ success is a wild card on the trade market, with the expansion club expected to be selling by now. [The Star]

Why the government decided against an NHL game on Parliament Hill for Canada 150. [Toronto Metro]

Wayne Gretzky thankful he played during the NHL’s wide-open scoring days. [National Post]

Ex-NHLer’s father opens up about son’s troubled life. The father of ex-NHL enforcer Stephen Peat shared concerns about his son’s post-hockey downward spiral. [The Star]